Two Cardiff business owners have been ordered to pay a total of £7,800 after repeatedly failing to comply with legal requirements to control noise.
Keith and Caroline Munro were successfully prosecuted by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) after repeatedly breaching noise abatement notices. These notices had been issued following multiple complaints from local residents about noise originating from Kings Road Yard, 183A King’s Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9DF.
The noise abatement notices required the defendants to take appropriate steps to control excessive noise emanating from their premises. This included amplified music as well as noise from customers congregating at the premises.
Evidence presented to the court showed the offences had a significant adverse impact on nearby residents, affecting their ability to enjoy their homes and gardens and impacting their quality of life.
The case was heard at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court before a District Judge, where both defendants were in attendance and entered guilty pleas.
The court imposed the following financial penalties on each defendant:
- £1,000 fine (£200 for each of five offences, reduced due to guilty pleas)
- £2,500 contribution towards prosecution costs
- £400 victim surcharge
Each defendant was ordered to pay a total of £3,900.
Shared Regulatory Services provides environmental health, trading standards and licensing functions on behalf of Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils. The service investigates a wide range of noise issues, including amplified music, domestic disturbances and commercial activity affecting residents.
Residents can report noise concerns online or by calling 0300 123 66 96. Cardiff residents also have access to a Night Time Noise Service operating on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Councillor Ed Stubbs, Cabinet member for Waste, Street Scene, and Environmental Services said:
“Noise disturbance can have a serious and lasting impact on people’s health and wellbeing. In this case, there was clear evidence that residents’ quality of life was significantly affected over a period of time.
We always aim to work constructively with businesses and individuals to resolve issues at an early stage, offering advice and support to help them meet their responsibilities. However, where legal notices are repeatedly ignored, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action.
This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting local communities and ensuring that residents can enjoy their homes without unreasonable disturbance.”
